by Anonymouse

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 04, 2009

Becoming a pastry chef requires a great deal of skill and creativity. Pastry chefs learn to bake scrumptious pastries and sweets, then decorate them to perfection. Imagine preparing breads, pies, chocolates, cookies, candy, and cake for a living. Not too shabby! Pastry chefs are in high demand, and for work that's fun and rewarding.

Different Degrees

Required schooling depends on how much students would like to develop their baking and decorating skills. The best pathways for future pastry chefs range from earning Baking and Pastry Certificates to AS and BA Degrees in Culinary Arts. This training prepares students for careers in catering, restaurant kitchens, and bakeries. Pastry chefs typically work 50-60 hours per week, and get paid approx. $50,000 per year (StarChef.com).

Your Instructors

Always check the credentials of the faculties before choosing your schooling options. Your teachers should be certified by the American Culinary Federation. They should also have college degrees or industry experience. Apprenticeship programs offer onsite training, where students can work while earning their degrees. Most regular students also need this kind of experience before graduation. You have to get hands-on before becoming a pastry chef.

Baking and Pastry Certificate

Baking and Pastry Certificate programs (1-2yrs.) prepare graduates for entry-level positions in a wide variety of bakeries. These programs teach basic techniques, like mixing dough, tempering chocolate, and decorating flawless cakes. Take an assortment of classes to make yourself the best pastry chef possible. For example, math courses will teach you to measure ingredients properly. Baking and Pastry Certificates provide strong foundations for first-time professional bakers.

Associate of Science: Culinary Arts

Professionals with Associate's Degrees in Culinary Arts (21 months) have more opportunities and higher starting salaries than Baking and Pastry Certificate holders. Students who choose this path will learn about food preparation, cooking, baking, sanitation, customer service, workplace code, meal presentation, beverage selection, and much more. Culinary arts are always evolving, so there is plenty to learn. Pastry chefs rarely get bored working in this fast-paced industry.

Bachelor of Arts: Culinary Arts

People who get Bachelor's Degrees in Culinary Arts (38 months) are aiming high. They want to become executive chefs and restaurant owners in an extremely competitive field. Holders of Bachelor's Degrees have the most career opportunities and highest starting salaries. Pastry chefs need not spend the extra time on this degree - unless they plan on expanding their horizons later on in their careers, but permanent pastry chefs would be wise in choosing the Associate's Degree.

Works Cited

- Star Chefs; starchefs.com/features/editors_dish/salary_survey/in dex.shtml; Jan. 17th, 2009

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